No-show panty configuration

ABSTRACT

A panty construction features a rear panel formed of a dyable exposed LYCRA material. Side seams join the rear panel to a front panel that is formed of a non-exposed elastomer material. The side seams are positioned medial of the anterior superior iliac spine. Bar tack stitches are used at the top and at the bottom of the side seams as well as the forward lateral edges of a gusset. The gusset is positioned solely on the front panel.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE TO ANY PRIORITY APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 62/976,695, filed Feb. 14, 2020, which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety. Any and all applications for which a foreignor domestic priority claim is identified in the Application Data Sheetas filed with the present application are hereby incorporated byreference under 37 C.F.R. § 1.57.

BACKGROUND Field

The present application generally relates to undergarments. Morespecifically, the present application relates to undergarmentsconstructed to reduce or eliminate the appearance of visible pantylines.

Description of the Related Art

A visible panty line has been defined as a situation in which an outlineof a person's undergarment is visible through the outer layer ofclothing. The undergarment may be seen as a ridge or a depression in theouter layer of clothing. Typically, a visible panty line is a result ofthe material of the outer layer of clothing being clingy or transparent.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Visible panty lines are not desired. Accordingly, a panty has beendesigned to reduce the likelihood of visible panty lines. The panty isconstructed as a no-show panty. Desirably, the no-show panty alsoincorporates features that limit the panty from riding upward and fromrolling over at the edges.

In some configurations, a panty comprises a front panel formed of afirst material. The front panel comprises a left front side edge and aright front side edge. A top front edge extends between the left frontside edge and the right front side edge. A left front leg edge extendsdownward at a first angle from the left front side edge. A right frontleg edge extends downward at a second angle from the right front sideedge. A front panel gusset edge extends between the left front leg edgeand the right front leg edge. A rear panel is formed of a secondmaterial. The rear panel comprises a left rear side edge and a rightrear side edge. A top rear edge extends between the left rear side edgeand the right rear side edge. A left rear leg edge extends upwardly at athird angle from the left rear side edge. A right rear leg edge extendsupwardly at a fourth angle from the right rear side edge. A rear panelgusset edge extends between the left rear leg edge and the right rearleg edge. A gusset panel is formed of a third material. The gusset panelcomprises a front gusset edge, a rear gusset edge, a left gusset legedge extending from the front gusset edge to the rear gusset, and aright gusset leg edge extending from the front gusset edge to the reargusset edge. Each of the top front edge, top rear edge, left front legedge, left rear leg edge, right front leg edge, and the right rear legedge is free cut. The left front side edge and the left rear side edgeare connected with a left side seam. A left upper bar tack only ispositioned at a top of the left side seam and a left lower bar tack onlyis positioned at a bottom of the left side seam. The left upper bar tackand the left lower bar tack are configured such that a left side seamallowance can be contained by the left upper bar tack and the left lowerbar tack. The right front side edge and the right rear side edge areconnected with a right side seam. A right upper bar tack only ispositioned at a top of the right side seam and a right lower bar tackonly is positioned at a bottom of the right side seam. The right upperbar tack and the right lower bar tack are configured such that a rightside seam allowance can be contained by the right upper bar tack and theright lower bar tack. The front panel gusset edge, the rear panel gussetedge, and the gusset rear edge are connected by a rear gusset seam. Theleft front leg edge and the left gusset edge are connected by a leftgusset seam. The right front leg edge and the right gusset edge areconnected by a right gusset seam. A left gusset bar tack is positionedonly at a forward end of the left gusset seam and extends parallel tothe left front leg edge. A right gusset bar tack is positioned only at aforward end of the right gusset seam and extends parallel to the rightfront leg edge. The left gusset bar tack and the right gusset bar tackare configured to resist rolling of the gusset. The first secondmaterial comprises an interior surface that comprises exposed elasticthreads.

In some configurations, the first material is a four-way stretchmaterial and the second material is a different four-way stretchmaterial. In some configurations, the front panel gusset edge is cutacross a grain of the four-way stretch material and the rear panelgusset edge is cut across a grain of the different four-way stretchmaterial. In some configurations, the rear panel is cut across a grainof the different four-way stretch material. In some configurations, theleft side seam is an overlock seam and the right side seam is anoverlock seam.

In some configurations, a panty comprises a front panel comprising afirst material having a first weight and a top edge. A rear panelcomprises a second material having a second weight within 10% of thefirst weight. The rear panel comprises an inner surface. The innersurface comprises exposed elastomeric threads. A gusset panel isconnected to the front panel and the front panel is connected to therear panel at two substantially vertical seams. All of the edges of thefront panel and the rear panel are free edges with the exception of theedges connected to the gusset panel. The vertical seams are configuredto be medial of a pair of anterior superior iliac spines of a wearer.

In some configurations, the vertical seams are configured to be lateralof the mid inguinal points of the wearer. In some configurations, thevertical seams each has a first bar tack adjacent an upper end of thevertical seam and a second bar tack adjacent a lower end of the verticalseam. In some configurations, the gusset panel is not connected to thefront panel at a forward end of the gusset panel and a pair of bar tacksis positioned adjacent the forward end of the gusset panel such that abar tack is positioned along a forwardmost end of each lateral side ofthe gusset panel. In some configurations, the gusset panel is formed ofa third material that is different from the first material and thesecond material. In some configurations, the first material comprisesnylon and elastane. In some configurations, the second materialcomprises nylon and LYCRA. In some configurations, the second materialcomprises nylon and LYCRA. In some configurations, the first material isa four-way stretch material and the second material is a differentfour-way stretch material. In some configurations, a ratio of a totalrelaxed length of the top edge of the front panel to a total relaxedlength of the top edge of the rear panel is between 1:1.5 and 1:2.7. Insome configurations, the ratio is between 1:1.63 and 1:2.62. In someconfigurations, the ratio is between 1:2.55 and 1:2.62.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the presentinvention will be described with reference to the following drawings:

FIG. 1 is a front view of a panty construction that is arranged andconfigured in accordance with certain features, aspects, and advantagesof the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an additional front view with three enlarged views of thepanty construction of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a rear view with two enlarged views of the panty constructionof FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a plan view of a front panel of the panty construction of FIG.1;

FIG. 5 is a plan view of a rear panel of the panty construction of FIG.1;

FIG. 6 is a front view of another panty construction that is arrangedand configured in accordance with certain features, aspects, andadvantages of the present invention, the figure includes three enlargedviews;

FIG. 7 is a plan view of a front panel of the panty construction of FIG.6; and

FIG. 8 is a plan view of a rear panel of the panty construction of FIG.6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Panties having elastic-trimmed edges generally result in visible pantylines due to the increased bulk of material along the edges. Whilepanties featuring free-cut edges (i.e., edges without elastic trimming)have been used to reduce the appearance of visible panty lines, suchpanties lack the elastic-trimmed edges that help to anchor and securethe panty in place. As such, the free-cut edge panties tend to shift,have edges that roll over, and generally become displaced duringwearing. Accordingly, the panties described below have been constructedto reduce or eliminate one or more of these concerns.

FIG. 1 illustrates a panty 100 that is arranged and configured inaccordance with certain features, aspects and advantages of the presentinvention. While described in the context of the panty 100, many of thefeatures, aspects, and advantages discussed herein can find utility withrespect to other garments and undergarments for men and children aswell. As such, the term “panty” should be given its ordinary meaning butshould also be considered to extend to undergarments for men andchildren as well as undergarments for women where a panel of materialhaving increased friction could have utility.

With reference still to FIG. 1, the illustrated panty 100 generallycomprises a front panel 102 and a rear panel 104. In the illustratedconfiguration, the panty 100 also comprises a separate gusset panel 106.These three panels 102, 104, 106 are sized and configured in mannersthat will be described below and these three panels 102, 104, 106 thencan be attached to each other in manners that also will be describedbelow. As will be explained, the illustrated panty provides aconstruction that can reduce or eliminate some or all visible pantylines (e.g., lines around the legs, around the waist, and/or at thegusset) while also reducing or eliminating riding up of the panty and/orrolling of a panty waistband. As such, the panty 100 provides improvedcomfort and performance over prior panty constructions.

With reference now to FIG. 4, the front panel 102 comprises a frontpanel left side edge 110 and a front panel right side edge 112. A frontpanel top edge 114 extends between the front panel left side edge 110and the front panel right side edge 112. The front panel top edge 114defines a portion of a waistband of the panty 100. The front panel leftside edge 110 and the front panel right edge 112 extend away from thefront panel top edge 114 at an angle α. The angle α can be an angleother than ninety degrees. In some configurations, the angle α isgreater than ninety degrees. In some configurations, the angle α definedbetween the side edges 110, 112 and the top edge 114 is between 83degrees and 107 degrees. In some such configurations, the angle αdefined between the side edges 110, 112 and the top edge 114 is between89 degrees and 101 degrees. In some such configurations, the angle αdefined between the side edges 110, 112 and the top edge 114 is 95degrees.

With reference still to FIG. 4, the front panel 102 also comprises aleft front leg edge 116 and a right front leg edge 118. The left frontleg edge 116 extends downwardly away from the left side edge 110 and theright front leg edge 118 extends downwardly away from the right sideedge 112. A hip angle β is defined as an included angle at a juncture120 between the left front leg edge 116 and the left side edge 110 andat the juncture 120 between the right front leg edge 118 and the rightside edge 112. The hip angle β is between 80 degrees and 125 degrees. Insome such configurations, the hip angle β is between 85 degrees and 120degrees. The hip angle β can be larger than ninety degrees. In addition,the hip angle β is larger than a standard hip angle. In someconfigurations, the hip angle β is larger than the angle α.

A front panel gusset edge 122 extends between the left front leg edge116 and the right front leg edge 118. The gusset edge 122 and the topedge 114 are positioned at opposing ends of the combined front sideedges 110, 112 and the front leg edges 116, 118. In the illustratedconfiguration, the front panel gusset edge 122 is arcuate inconfiguration. The illustrated front panel gusset edge 122 bowsoutwardly away from the front panel top edge 114.

In the illustrated configuration, the left front leg edge 116 and theright front leg edge 118 each includes a respective gusset step 124,126. The gusset steps 124, 126 align with a placement of an end of thegusset panel 106, as will be explained. Prior to assembly, the gussetsteps 124, 126 provide an expanded width defined between the left frontleg edge 116 and the right front leg edge 118 toward the front panelgusset edge 122. The expanded width provides a seam allowance for sewingof the gusset panel 106 to the front panel 102.

The front panel 102 can be formed of any suitable material. In someconfigurations, the material is dope dyed. In the illustratedconfiguration, the front panel 102 is a knit material. In some suchconfigurations, the knit material is an interlocking knit material. Theknit material can consist of nylon and elastane. In some configurations,the knit material is 57% nylon and 43% elastane. Instead of, or inaddition to, nylon, the knit material can comprise one or more ofpolyester, wool, acrylic, and/or regenerative fiber such as rayon,acetate, and/or cellulosic fiber like cotton. Instead of elastane, adifferent elastic fiber, such as spandex or LYCRA®, can be used. Theknit material can have a weight of between 114 g/m2 and 126 g/m2. Insome such configurations, the knit material can have a weight of 120gm/m2+/−5%. Other weights also are possible keeping in mind a desire fora no-show panty construction. The weight of the material can be testedusing the test method of ASTM D-3776. In some configurations, thematerial for the front panel 102 is a four-way stretch material. In someconfigurations, the material has a minimum of 80% length recovery astested using ASTM D2594, loose fitting (after 60 minutes), and a minimumof 85% width recovery as tested using ASTM D2594, loose fitting (after60 minutes).

With reference now to FIG. 5, the rear panel 104 will be described. Therear panel 104 comprises a rear panel left side edge 140 and a rearpanel right side edge 142. A rear panel top edge 144 extends between therear panel left side edge 140 and the rear panel right side edge 142.The rear panel top edge 144 defines at least a portion of the waistbandof the panty 100. The rear panel left side edge 140 and the rear panelright edge 140 extend away from the rear panel top edge 144 at an angleγ of substantially ninety degrees. In some configurations, the angle γdefined between the side edges 140, 142 and the top edge 144 is between83 degrees and 107 degrees. In some such configurations, the angle γdefined between the side edges 140, 142 and the top edge 144 is between89 degrees and 101 degrees. In some such configurations, the angle γdefined between the side edges 140, 142 and the top edge 144 is 90 or 95degrees.

With reference still to FIG. 5, the rear panel 104 also comprises a leftrear leg edge 146 and a right rear leg edge 148. When assembled (seeFIG. 2), the left rear leg edge 146 initially extends upwardly away fromthe left side edge 140 and the right rear leg edge 148 initially extendsupwardly away from the right side edge 142. A hip angle γ is defined asan included angle at a juncture 150 between the left rear leg edge 146and the left side edge 140 and at the juncture 150 between the rightrear leg edge 148 and the right side edge 142. The hip angle δ isbetween 80 degrees and 120 degrees. In some such configurations, the hipangle δ is between 87 degrees and 115 degrees. The hip angle δ can besmaller than ninety degrees. In addition, the hip angle δ can be smallerthan a standard hip angle. In some configurations, the hip angle δ canbe smaller than the angle γ.

A rear panel gusset edge 152 extends between the left rear leg edge 146and the right rear leg edge 148. The rear panel gusset edge 152 and therear panel top edge 144 are positioned at opposing ends of the combinedrear side edges 140, 142 and rear leg edges 146, 148. In the illustratedconfiguration, the rear panel gusset edge 152 is arcuate inconfiguration. The illustrated rear panel gusset edge 152 bows inwardlytoward the rear panel top edge 144.

In the illustrated configuration, the left rear leg edge 146 and theright rear leg edge 148 each includes a hip bend 154, 156. The hip bends154, 156 transition from a waistband portion 160 of the rear panel 104to a portion that extends along the buttocks. The hip bends define anincluded angle ε of between 35 degrees and 45 degrees. In someconfigurations, the hip bends define an included angle ε of between 37degrees and 42 degrees. In some configurations, the hip bends are 40degrees. Moreover, in the illustrated configuration, the left rear legedge 146 and the right rear leg edge 148 extend substantially linearly(i.e., as shown, very large radius curvature, if any) from the hip bends154, 156 to the rear panel gusset edge 152.

The rear panel 104 can be formed of any suitable material. In someconfigurations, the material is dope dyed. In the illustratedconfiguration, the rear panel 104 is a knit material. In some suchconfigurations, the knit material is a circular knit or lace material.The knit material can consist of nylon and a synthetic elastane fiber(e.g., LYCRA®). In some configurations, the knit material is 32% nylonand 68% LYCRA®. Instead of, or in addition to, nylon, the knit materialcan comprise one or more of polyester, wool, acrylic, and/orregenerative fiber such as rayon, acetate, and/or cellulosic fiber likecotton. The knit material can have a weight of between 123 g/m2 and 137g/m2. In some such configurations, the knit material can have a weightof 130 gm/m2+/−5%. Other weights also are possible keeping in mind adesire for creating a no-show panty construction. Additionally, it hasbeen found that a weight significantly greater than 137 g/m2 can feeltoo heavy while a weight significantly less than 123 g/m2 will lack adesired level of durability. Preferably, the material for the rear panel104 comprises a weight range that overlaps with the weight range of thematerial of the front panel 102. The weight of the material can betested using the test method of ASTM D-3776. In some configurations, thematerial for the rear panel 104 is a four-way stretch material. In someconfigurations, the material has a minimum of 85% length recovery astested using ASTM D2594, loose fitting (after 60 minutes), and a minimumof 85% width recovery as tested using ASTM D2594, loose fitting (after60 minutes). Preferably, the material for the rear panel 104 comprisesat least one of a width recovery and a length recovery that is the sameas with the material of the front panel 102.

The material used for the rear panel 104 can include a material with oneside forming a grippy surface (as used herein, a “one-sided grippymaterial”). The material can be an exposed elastic material. In suchmaterials, high friction elastic threads are exposed on one surface ofthe material. As used herein, the elastic threads may comprise elastane,spandex, or LYCRA®. The fabric is knit such that the elastic threads areexposed to one side of the fabric. In conventional knitting methods, theelastic threads are hidden within the knitting construction of thefabric and not exposed to either surface of the fabric.

The high friction elastic threads directly contact the body of thewearer and the interior surface of the rear panel 104 of the panty 100resists sliding relative to the body. The material using the highfriction elastic threads on the interior surface allows the garment tostretch evenly while also reducing bulk relative to the use of siliconestrips, polymer bumps, or the like. As such, the interior surface of therear panel 104 of the panty 100 can be devoid of any coatings having ahigher coefficient of friction than the interior surface of the rearpanel 104 of the panty 100.

While not shown separately from the assembled panty 100, the gusset 106can be formed of any suitable material. In the illustratedconfiguration, the gusset 106 is not formed of the same material usedfor either the front panel 102 or the rear panel 104. The material forthe gusset 106 can be cotton or any other suitable material.

With reference to FIG. 2, the gusset panel 106 comprises a front gussetedge 170 and a rear gusset edge 172. The gusset panel 106 also comprisesa left gusset edge 174 that extends from the front gusset edge 170 tothe rear gusset edge 172 and a right gusset edge 176 that extends fromthe front gusset edge 170 to the rear gusset edge 172. The front gussetedge 170 of the gusset panel 106 is configured to remain unattached toeither the front panel 102 or the rear panel 104. In someconfigurations, exterior pullout/lattice stitching can be used to finishthe front gusset edge 170 of the gusset panel 106.

The left gusset edge 174 is connected to the left front leg edge 116 andthe right gusset edge 176 is connected to the right front leg edge 118.The left gusset edge 174 and the left front leg edge 116 as well as theright gusset edge 176 and the right front leg edge 118 can be connectedin any suitable manner. In the illustrated configuration, the left edges175, 116 and the right edges 176, 118 can be connected using anysuitable seam, including interior pullout lattice stitching. Similarly,the rear gusset edge 172 of the gusset panel 106, the front panel gussetedge 122, and the rear panel gusset edge 152 can be connected using anysuitable seam, including but not limited to interior pullout latticestitching. In the illustrated configuration, pullout/lattice stitchingfully contains the gusset panel 106 and the adjoining portions of thefront panel 102 and the rear panel 104.

The front panel left side edge 110 and the rear panel left side edge 140can be connected to each other in any suitable manner. In theillustrated configuration, the front panel left side edge 110 and therear panel left side edge 140 can be connected to each other by a leftupper seam 180. In some configurations, the left upper seam 180comprises overlock stitching. The front panel right side edge 112 andthe rear panel right side edge 142 can be connected to each other in anysuitable manner. In the illustrated configuration, the front panel rightside edge 112 and the rear panel right side edge 142 can be connected toeach other by a right upper seam 182. In some configurations, the rightupper seam 182 comprises overlock stitching. In the illustratedconfiguration, when the panty is flat on a surface, the seams 180, 182are positioned inward of the fold lines of the sides of the panty 100.In some configurations, the distance between the natural fold line andthe seams 180, 182 is between 1 inch and 4 inches. In some suchconfigurations, the distance is between 1.75 inches and 3 inches. Insome such configurations, the distance is 3 inches or 1.75 inches.

Bar tacks are strategically positioned to improve performance and lifeof the illustrated panty 100. In the illustrated configuration, upperbar tacks 184 can be positioned near the top edges 114, 144 of the frontand rear panels 102, 104 along the left and right upper seams 180, 182.The illustrated upper bar tacks 184 extend about 3 mm from the edge tocontain the seam allowance such that the panty 100 can lie more flatlyon the body while also improving seam durability. Similarly, lower bartacks 186 can be positioned adjacent to the edge at the leg openings. Inthe illustrated configuration, the lower bar tacks 186 extend about 3 mmalong the seams 180, 182 from the edge at the leg openings.

The gusset panel 106 also can be prone to rolling. To assist withkeeping the gusset panel 106 positioned as desired along the body of thewearer, a gusset bar tack 188 can be positioned along each of the seamsrunning with the sides of the gusset panel 106. In the illustratedconfiguration, the gusset bar tacks 188 are positioned at theforwardmost end of the gusset panel 106 and the gusset bar tacks 188extend parallel to the leg openings along the gusset panel 106. Theillustrated gusset bar tacks 188 extend about 4 mm along the gussetpanel, parallel to the leg openings. Except for the gusset bar tacks188, the front edge 170 of the gusset panel 106 is not attached to anyother panel; as described, the other three edges are stitched to thefront panel with internal seams. The gusset bar tacks 188 help to reducethe likelihood of rolling at the forward portion of the gusset panel106.

In the illustrated configuration, one or more of the edges that definethe front panel 102 and the back panel 104 can be free cut. A free cutedge is an edge that is formed when a panel is cut from a piece offabric (e.g., using scissors, a blade, a laser, or any other suitablemethod for cutting fabric). Such free cut edges are not finished withany type of seam or bonding. In the illustrated front panel 102, all ofthe edges are free cut but, when the panty 100 is assembled, the portionof the left front leg edge 116 that is positioned between the leftgusset step 124 and the front panel gusset edge 122 and the portion ofthe right front leg edge 118 that is positioned between the right gussetstep 126 and the front panel gusset edge 122 will be attached to thegusset 106 with respective seams. Thus, in the illustratedconfiguration, all of the exposed edges of the panty 100 are free cutedges with the exception of the portions of the edges that are attachedto the gusset panel 106. To reduce the risk of tears in the fabric andto enhance the life of the panty 100, the front panel gusset edge is cutacross a grain of the material (e.g., four-way stretch material) and therear panel gusset edge is cut across a grain of the different material(e.g., a different four-way stretch material). In some configurations,the rear panel 104 is cut across a grain of the different four-waystretch material.

To compensate for the use of the free cut edges (i.e., not using elasticat the waistband and the leg openings), the illustrated panty 100 usesthe exposed elastomer material to maintain the panty 100 in a desiredposition on the body of the wearer. To improve comfort, only the rearpanel 104 is formed of the exposed elastomer material. In part becausethe exposed elastomer material is only used on the rear panel 104 and inpart to better position the side seams to reduce the appearance of anyvisible panty lines, the side seams 180, 182 were moved forward relativeto a standard placement. To demonstrate this, FIGS. 4 and 5, which areproportionally accurate, compare the standard panel cut (shown in chainline) to the panels 102, 104 used in the illustrated panty 100. Theseams 180, 182 are moved forward on the body but not all the way to thestomach for comfort and improved invisibility of the seams 180, 182.Moreover, extending the length of the rear panel 104 improves theresistance to rolling of the waistband.

In the illustrated configuration, the waistband portion of the panty 100is defined by the top edge 114 of the front panel 102 and the top edge144 of the rear panel 104. As discussed directly above, the panty 100has a shortened top edge 114 of the front panel 102 relative to standardpanties and has a lengthened top edge 144 of the rear panel 104. In someconfigurations, a ratio of between 1:1.5 and 1:2.7 can be used for thelength of the front top edge to the rear top edge. In someconfigurations, the ratio can be between 1:1.63 and 1:2.62. In someconfigurations, the ratio can be between 1:2.55 and 1:2.62. Bylengthening the rear waistband region, the grippy material can wraparound the hips of the wearer and toward the front of the wearer.Desirably, the rear waistband region is not elongated to such an extentthat the seams are positioned on the stomach of the wearer. Moredesirably, the seams are positioned proximate the front hip bones of thewearer. In some configurations, the seams are positioned just medial ofthe anterior superior iliac spine ASIS of the wearer (see FIG. 1). Insome such configurations, the seams are positioned lateral of the midinguinal point MIP while remaining medial of the anterior superior iliacspine of the wearer. The proportions of the front panel and the rearpanel can vary depending upon the elasticity of the materials used forthe respective panels.

With reference now to FIGS. 6-8, a thong panty 200 is illustrated thatis configured in accordance with certain features, aspects, andadvantages of the present invention. The thong panty 200 is similar inmore regards to the panty 100 described above.

The illustrated thong panty 200 generally comprises a front panel 202and a rear panel 204. In the illustrated configuration, the panty 200also comprises a separate gusset panel 206. These three panels 202, 204,206 are sized and configured in manners that will be described below andthese three panels 202, 204, 206 then can be attached to each other inmanners that also will be described below.

With reference now to FIG. 7, the front panel 202 comprises a frontpanel left side edge 210 and a front panel right side edge 212. A frontpanel top edge 214 extends between the front panel left side edge 210and the front panel right side edge 212. The front panel top edge 214defines a portion of a waistband of the thong panty 200. The front panelleft side edge 210 and the front panel right edge 212 extend away fromthe front panel top edge 214 at an angle ϕ other than ninety degrees. Insome configurations, the angle ϕ is greater than ninety degrees. In someconfigurations, the angle ϕ defined between the side edges 210, 212 andthe top edge 214 is between 83 degrees and 107 degrees. In some suchconfigurations, the angle ϕ defined between the side edges 210, 212 andthe top edge 214 is between 89 degrees and 101 degrees. In some suchconfigurations, the angle ϕ defined between the side edges 210, 212 andthe top edge 214 is 95 degrees.

With reference still to FIG. 7, the front panel 202 also comprises aleft front leg edge 216 and a right front leg edge 218. The left frontleg edge 216 extends downwardly away from the left side edge 210 and theright front leg edge 218 extends downwardly away from the right sideedge 212. A hip angle θ is defined as an included angle at a juncture220 between the left front leg edge 216 and the left side edge 210 andat the juncture 220 between the right front leg edge 218 and the rightside edge 212. The hip angle θ is between 83 degrees and 107 degrees. Insome such configurations, the hip angle θ is between 89 degrees and 101degrees. In some such configurations, the hip angle θ is 95 degrees. Thehip angle θ is larger than ninety degrees. In addition, the hip angle θis larger than a standard hip angle. In some configurations, the hipangle θ is larger than the angle θ.

A front panel gusset edge 222 extends between the left front leg edge216 and the right front leg edge 218. The gusset edge 222 and the topedge 214 are positioned at opposing ends of the combined front sideedges 210, 212 and the front leg edges 216, 218. In the illustratedconfiguration, the front panel gusset edge 222 is substantially linearin configuration.

In the illustrated configuration, the left front leg edge 216 and theright front leg edge 218 each includes a respective gusset step 224,226. The gusset steps 224, 226 align with a placement of an end of thegusset panel 206 (shown in FIG. 6), as will be explained. Prior toassembly, the gusset steps 224, 226 provide an expanded width definedbetween the left front leg edge 216 and the right front leg edge 218toward the front panel gusset edge 222. The expanded width provides aseam allowance for sewing of the gusset panel 206 to the front panel202.

The front panel 202 can be formed of any suitable material. In someconfigurations, the material is dope dyed. In the illustratedconfiguration, the front panel 202 is a knit material. In some suchconfigurations, the knit material is an interlocking knit material. Theknit material can consist of nylon and elastane. In some configurations,the knit material is 57% nylon and 43% elastane. Instead of, or inaddition to, nylon, the knit material can comprise one or more ofpolyester, wool, acrylic, and/or regenerative fiber such as rayon,acetate, and/or cellulosic fiber like cotton. Instead of elastane, adifferent elastic fiber, such as spandex or LYCRA®, can be used. Theknit material can have a weight of between 114 g/m2 and 126 g/m2. Insome such configurations, the knit material can have a weight of 120gm/m2+/−5%. Other weights also are possible keeping in mind a desire fora no-show panty construction. The weight of the material can be testedusing the test method of ASTM D-3776. In some configurations, thematerial for the front panel 202 is a four-way stretch material. In someconfigurations, the material has a minimum of 80% length recovery astested using ASTM D2594, loose fitting (after 60 minutes), and a minimumof 85% width recovery as tested using ASTM D2594, loose fitting (after60 minutes).

With reference now to FIG. 8, the rear panel 204 will be described. Therear panel 204 comprises a rear panel left side edge 240 and a rearpanel right side edge 242. A rear panel top edge 244 extends between therear panel left side edge 240 and the rear panel right side edge 242.The rear panel top edge 244 defines at least a portion of the waistbandof the thong panty 200. The rear panel left side edge 240 and the rearpanel right edge 240 extend away from the rear panel top edge 244 at anangle μ of substantially ninety degrees. In some configurations, theangle μ defined between the side edges 240, 242 and the top edge 244 isbetween 72 degrees and 92 degrees. In some such configurations, theangle μ defined between the side edges 240, 242 and the top edge 244 isbetween 77 degrees and 87 degrees. In some such configurations, theangle μ defined between the side edges 240, 242 and the top edge 244 is82 degrees.

With reference still to FIG. 8, the rear panel 204 has a two-partconfiguration. The first portion is a waistband portion 245. Thewaistband portion 245 includes a lower edge 246. A hip angle t isdefined as an included angle at a juncture 250 between the lower edge246 and the left side edge 240 and at the juncture 250 between the loweredge 248 and the right side edge 242. The hip angle t is between 80degrees and 104 degrees. In some such configurations, the hip angle t isbetween 86 degrees and 98 degrees. The hip angle t is smaller thanninety degrees. In addition, the hip angle t is smaller than a standardhip angle. In some configurations, the hip angle t is smaller than theangle μ.

The second portion of the rear panel comprises a connecting strip 251.The connecting strip 251 is configured to extend from the lower edge 248to the front panel gusset edge 222. The connecting strip 251 is separatefrom the waistband portion 245 of the rear panel 204. The connectingstrip 251, as will be described below, can be made of a differentmaterial compared to the waistband portion 245. In some configurations,the connecting strip 251 can be formed of the same material as the frontpanel 202. The connecting strip 251 can be connected to the waistbandportion 245 in any suitable manner. In some configurations, theconnecting strip 251 is connected to the waistband portion with a seam.In some configurations, the seam comprises overlock stitching.

The connecting strip 251 comprises a rear panel gusset edge 252 thatextends between lateral sides of the connecting strip 251. The rearpanel gusset edge 252 and the rear panel top edge 244 are positioned atopposing ends of the combined waistband portion 245 and the strip 251.In the illustrated configuration, the rear panel gusset edge 252 issubstantially linear in configuration.

The waistband portion 245 of the rear panel 204 can be formed of anysuitable material. In some configurations, the material is dope dyed. Inthe illustrated configuration, the material is a knit material. In somesuch configurations, the knit material is a circular knit material. Theknit material can consist of nylon and a synthetic elastane fiber (e.g.,LYCRA®). In some configurations, the knit material is 32% nylon and 68%LYCRA®. Instead of, or in addition to, nylon, the knit material cancomprise one or more of polyester, wool, acrylic, and/or regenerativefiber such as rayon, acetate, and/or cellulosic fiber like cotton. Theknit material can have a weight of between 123 g/m2 and 137 g/m2. Insome such configurations, the knit material can have a weight of 130gm/m2+/−5%. Other weights also are possible keeping in mind a desire forcreating a no-show panty construction. Additionally, it has been foundthat a weight significantly greater than 137 g/m2 can feel too heavywhile a weight significantly less than 123 g/m2 will lack a desiredlevel of durability. Preferably, the material for waistband portion 245of the rear panel 204 comprises a weight range that overlaps with theweight range of the material of the front panel 202. In someconfigurations, the weight of the material for the rear panel is within10% of the weight of the material for the front panel (e.g., if thefront panel material is 120 g/m2 then the rear panel material can beanywhere between 108 g/m2 and 132 g/m2). The weight of the material canbe tested using the test method of ASTM D-3776. In some configurations,the material for the waistband portion 245 of the rear panel 204 is afour-way stretch material. In some configurations, the material has aminimum of 85% length recovery as tested using ASTM D2594, loose fitting(after 60 minutes), and a minimum of 85% width recovery as tested usingASTM D2594, loose fitting (after 60 minutes). Preferably, the materialfor the waistband portion 245 of the rear panel 204 comprises at leastone of a width recovery and a length recovery that is the same as withthe material of the front panel 202.

The material used for the waistband portion 245 of the rear panel 204can include a material with one side forming a grippy surface (as usedherein, a “one-sided grippy material”). The material can be an exposedelastic material. In such materials, high friction elastic threads areexposed on one surface of the material. As used herein, the elasticthreads may comprise elastane, spandex, or LYCRA®. The fabric is knitsuch that the elastic threads are exposed to one side of the fabric. Inconventional knitting methods, the elastic threads are hidden within theknitting construction of the fabric and not exposed to either surface ofthe fabric.

The high friction elastic threads directly contact the body of thewearer and the interior surface of the waistband portion 245 of the rearpanel 204 of the thong panty 200 resists sliding relative to the body.The material using the high friction elastic threads on the interiorsurface allows the garment to stretch evenly while also reducing bulkrelative to the use of silicone strips, polymer bumps, or the like. Assuch, the interior surface of the waistband portion 245 of the rearpanel 204 of the thong panty 200 can be devoid of any coatings having ahigher coefficient of friction than the interior surface of thewaistband portion 245 of the rear panel 204 of the thong panty 200.]

While not shown separately from the assembled thong panty 200, thegusset 206 can be formed of any suitable material. In the illustratedconfiguration, the gusset 206 is not formed of the same material usedfor either the front panel 202 or the waistband portion 245 of the rearpanel 204. The material for the gusset 206 can be cotton or any othersuitable material.

With reference to FIG. 6, the gusset panel 206 comprises a front gussetedge 270 and a rear gusset edge 272. The gusset panel 206 also comprisesa left gusset edge 274 that extends from the front gusset edge 270 tothe rear gusset edge 272 and a right gusset edge 276 that extends fromthe front gusset edge 270 to the rear gusset edge 272. The front gussetedge 270 of the gusset panel 206 is configured to remain unattached toeither the front panel 202 or the rear panel 204. In someconfigurations, exterior pullout/lattice stitching can be used to finishthe front gusset edge 270 of the gusset panel 206.

The left gusset edge 274 is connected to the left front leg edge 216 andthe right gusset edge 276 is connected to the right front leg edge 218.The left gusset edge 274 and the left front leg edge 216 as well as theright gusset edge 276 and the right front leg edge 218 can be connectedin any suitable manner. In the illustrated configuration, the left edges275, 216 and the right edges 276, 218 can be connected using anysuitable seam, including interior pullout lattice stitching. Similarly,the rear gusset edge 272 of the gusset panel 206, the front panel gussetedge 222, and the rear panel gusset edge 252 can be connected using anysuitable seam, including but not limited to interior pullout latticestitching. In the illustrated configuration, pullout/lattice stitchingfully contains the gusset panel 206 and the adjoining portions of thefront panel 202 and the rear panel 204.

The front panel left side edge 210 and the rear panel left side edge 240can be connected to each other in any suitable manner. In theillustrated configuration, the front panel left side edge 210 and therear panel left side edge 240 can be connected to each other by a leftupper seam 280. In some configurations, the left upper seam 280comprises overlock stitching. The front panel right side edge 212 andthe rear panel right side edge 242 can be connected to each other in anysuitable manner. In the illustrated configuration, the front panel rightside edge 212 and the rear panel right side edge 242 can be connected toeach other by a right upper seam 282. In some configurations, the rightupper seam 282 comprises overlock stitching. In the illustratedconfiguration, when the thong panty is flat on a surface, the seams 280,282 are positioned inward of the fold lines of the sides of the panty200. In some configurations, the distance between the natural fold lineand the seams 280, 282 is between 1 inch and 4 inches. In some suchconfigurations, the distance is between 1.75 inches and 3 inches. Insome such configurations, the distance is 3 inches or 1.75 inches.

Bar tacks are strategically positioned to improve performance and lifeof the illustrated thong panty 200. In the illustrated configuration,upper bar tacks 284 can be positioned near the top edges 214, 244 of thefront and rear panels 202, 204 along the left and right upper seams 280,282. The illustrated upper bar tacks 284 extend about 3 mm from the edgeto contain the seam allowance such that the thong panty 200 can lie moreflatly on the body while also improving seam durability. Similarly,lower bar tacks 286 can be positioned adjacent to the edge at the legopenings. In the illustrated configuration, the lower bar tacks 286extend about 3 mm along the seams 280, 282 from the edge at the legopenings.

The seams along the gusset panel 206 also can be prone to rolling. Toassist with keeping the seams positioned as desired along the body ofthe wearer, a gusset bar tack 288 can be positioned along each of theseams running with the sides of the gusset panel 206. In the illustratedconfiguration, the gusset bar tacks 288 are positioned at theforwardmost end of the gusset panel 206 and the gusset bar tacks 288extend parallel to the leg openings along the gusset panel 206. Theillustrated gusset bar tacks 288 extend about 4 mm along the gussetpanel, parallel to the leg openings. Except for the gusset bar tacks288, the front edge 270 of the gusset panel 206 is not attached to anyother panel. Thus, the gusset bar tacks 288 help to reduce thelikelihood of rolling at the forward portion of the gusset panel 206.

In the illustrated configuration, one or more of the edges that definethe front panel 202 and the back panel 204 can be free cut. A free cutedge is an edge that is formed when a panel is cut from a piece offabric (e.g., using scissors, a blade, a laser, or any other suitablemethod for cutting fabric). Such free cut edges are not finished withany type of seam or bonding. In the illustrated front panel 202, all ofthe edges are free cut but, when the panty 200 is assembled, the portionof the left front leg edge 216 that is positioned between the leftgusset step 224 and the front panel gusset edge 222 and the portion ofthe right front leg edge 218 that is positioned between the right gussetstep 226 and the front panel gusset edge 222 will be attached to thegusset 206 with respective seams. Thus, in the illustratedconfiguration, all of the edges of the thong panty 200 are free cutedges with the exception of the portions of the edges attached to thegusset panel 206 and where the waistband portion 245 of the rear panel204 connects to the connecting strip 251. To reduce the risk of tears inthe fabric and to enhance the life of the thong panty 200, the frontpanel gusset edge is cut across a grain of the material (e.g., four-waystretch material) and the rear panel gusset edge is cut across a grainof the different material (e.g., a different four-way stretch material).In some configurations, the rear panel 204 is cut across a grain of thedifferent four-way stretch material.

To compensate for the use of the free cut edges (i.e., not using elasticat the waistband and the leg openings), the illustrated thong panty 200uses the exposed elastomer material to maintain the thong panty 200 in adesired position on the body of the wearer. To improve comfort, only thewaistband portion 245 of the rear panel 204 is formed of the exposedelastomer material. In part because the exposed elastomer material isonly used on the waistband portion 245 of the rear panel 204 and in partto better position the side seams to reduce the appearance of anyvisible panty lines, the side seams 280, 282 are moved forward relativeto a standard placement. To demonstrate this, FIGS. 7 and 8, which areproportionally accurate, compare the standard panel cut (shown in chainline) to the panels 202, 204 used in the illustrated panty 200. Theseams 280, 282 are moved forward on the body but not all the way to thestomach for comfort and improved invisibility of the seams 280, 282.Moreover, extending the length of the rear panel 204 improved theresistance to rolling of the waistband.

In the illustrated configuration, the waistband portion of the thongpanty 200 is defined by the top edge 214 of the front panel 202 and thetop edge 244 of the rear panel 204. As discussed directly above, thethong panty 200 has a shortened top edge 214 of the front panel 202relative to standard thong panties and has a lengthened top edge 244 ofthe rear panel 204. In some configurations, a ratio of between 1:1.5 and1:2.7 can be used for the length of the front top edge to the rear topedge. In some configurations, the ratio can be between 1:1.57 and 1:2.0.In some configurations, the ratio can be between 1:1.60 and 1:1.76. Insome configurations, the ratio can be 1.63. By lengthening the rearwaistband region, the grippy material can wrap around the hips of thewearer and toward the front of the wearer. Desirably, the rear waistbandregion is not elongated to such an extent that the seams are positionedon the stomach of the wearer. More desirably, the seams are positionedproximate the front hip bones of the wearer. In some configurations, theseams are positioned just medial of the anterior superior iliac spine ofthe wearer. In some such configurations, the seams are positionedlateral of the mid inguinal point while remaining medial of the anteriorsuperior iliac spine of the wearer. The proportions of the front paneland the rear panel can vary depending upon the elasticity of thematerials used for the respective panels.

While a hipster-cut and a thong-cut have been shown and described above,other cuts also are possible. For example, but without limitation, thepanty can be constructed as a bikini (waistbands that usually laysomewhere between the navel and the hip and that have semi-hi-cut legswith a moderate coverage back), a boyshort or culotte (full coverage ina modern silhouette), brief (traditional rise panty with full coveragein the rear), a hi-cut brief (moderate to full coverage panty with veryhi-cut leg), a low rise panty (rise of 7 inches or less, which is themeasurement between the top of the waistband and the first horizontalseam), or a tanga (moderate to minimal coverage European pantysilhouette with back coverage that is more than a thong but narrowerthan a bikini). Other configurations also are possible.

As discussed above, other materials can be used for the various panelsof the different panty constructions discussed above. In someconfigurations, the material can comprise 61% nylon and 39% spandex witha weight of about 155 gm/60 inch. In some configurations, the materialcan comprise 63% nylon and 37% spandex with a weight of 154 gm/60 inch.In some configurations, the material can comprise 51% nylon and 49%spandex with a weight of 205 gm/60 inch.

Conditional language used herein, such as, among others, “can,” “could,”“might,” “may,” “e.g.,” and the like, unless specifically statedotherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, isgenerally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, whileother embodiments do not include, certain features, elements and/orstates. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended toimply that features, elements and/or states are in any way required forone or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarilyinclude these features, elements and/or states.

Conjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, and Z,”unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with thecontext as used in general to convey that an item, term, etc. may beeither X, Y, or Z. Thus, such conjunctive language is not generallyintended to imply that certain embodiments require the presence of atleast one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z.

While the above detailed description may have shown, described, andpointed out novel features as applied to various embodiments, it may beunderstood that various omissions, substitutions, and/or changes in theform and details of any particular embodiment may be made withoutdeparting from the spirit of the disclosure. As may be recognized,certain embodiments may be embodied within a form that does not provideall of the features and benefits set forth herein, as some features maybe used or practiced separately from others.

Additionally, features described in connection with one embodiment canbe incorporated into another of the disclosed embodiments, even if notexpressly discussed herein, and embodiments having the combination offeatures still fall within the scope of the disclosure. For example,features described above in connection with one embodiment can be usedwith a different embodiment described herein and the combination stillfall within the scope of the disclosure.

It should be understood that various features and aspects of thedisclosed embodiments can be combined with, or substituted for, oneanother in order to form varying modes of the embodiments of thedisclosure. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the disclosure hereinshould not be limited by the particular embodiments described above.Accordingly, unless otherwise stated, or unless clearly incompatible,each embodiment of this disclosure may comprise, additional to itsessential features described herein, one or more features as describedherein from each other embodiment disclosed herein.

Features, materials, characteristics, or groups described in conjunctionwith a particular aspect, embodiment, or example are to be understood tobe applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described inthis section or elsewhere in this specification unless incompatibletherewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification(including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or allof the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined inany combination, except combinations where at least some of suchfeatures and/or steps are mutually exclusive. The protection is notrestricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The protectionextends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the featuresdisclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims,abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination,of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Furthermore, certain features that are described in this disclosure inthe context of separate implementations can also be implemented incombination in a single implementation. Conversely, various featuresthat are described in the context of a single implementation can also beimplemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitablesubcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above asacting in certain combinations, one or more features from a claimedcombination can, in some cases, be excised from the combination, and thecombination may be claimed as a subcombination or variation of asubcombination.

Moreover, while operations may be depicted in the drawings or describedin the specification in a particular order, such operations need not beperformed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or thatall operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. Otheroperations that are not depicted or described can be incorporated in theexample methods and processes. For example, one or more additionaloperations can be performed before, after, simultaneously, or betweenany of the described operations. Further, the operations may berearranged or reordered in other implementations. Those skilled in theart will appreciate that in some embodiments, the actual steps taken inthe processes illustrated and/or disclosed may differ from those shownin the figures. Depending on the embodiment, certain of the stepsdescribed above may be removed, others may be added.

Furthermore, the features and attributes of the specific embodimentsdisclosed above may be combined in different ways to form additionalembodiments, all of which fall within the scope of the presentdisclosure. Also, the separation of various system components in theimplementations described above should not be understood as requiringsuch separation in all implementations, and it should be understood thatthe described components and systems can generally be integratedtogether in a single product or packaged into multiple products.

For purposes of this disclosure, certain aspects, advantages, and novelfeatures are described herein. Not necessarily all such advantages maybe achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment. Thus, forexample, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure maybe embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves one advantage or agroup of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving otheradvantages as may be taught or suggested herein.

Language of degree used herein, such as the terms “approximately,”“about,” “generally,” and “substantially” as used herein represent avalue, amount, or characteristic close to the stated value, amount, orcharacteristic that still performs a desired function or achieves adesired result. For example, the terms “approximately”, “about”,“generally,” and “substantially” may refer to an amount that is withinless than 10% of, within less than 5% of, within less than 1% of, withinless than 0.1% of, and within less than 0.01% of the stated amount. Asanother example, in certain embodiments, the terms “generally parallel”and “substantially parallel” refer to a value, amount, or characteristicthat departs from exactly parallel by less than or equal to 15 degrees,10 degrees, 5 degrees, 3 degrees, 1 degree, 0.1 degree, or otherwise.

The scope of the present disclosure is not intended to be limited by thespecific disclosures of preferred embodiments in this section orelsewhere in this specification, and may be defined by claims aspresented in this section or elsewhere in this specification or aspresented in the future. The language of the claims is to be interpretedbroadly based on the language employed in the claims and not limited tothe examples described in the present specification or during theprosecution of the application, which examples are to be construed asnon-exclusive.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout thedescription and the claims, the words “comprise”, “comprising”, and thelike, are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to anexclusive or exhaustive sense, that is to say, in the sense of“including, but not limited to”.

Reference to any prior art in this description is not, and should not betaken as, an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that that priorart forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavorin any country in the world.

The invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elementsand features referred to or indicated in the description of theapplication, individually or collectively, in any or all combinations oftwo or more of said parts, elements or features.

Where, in the foregoing description, reference has been made to integersor components having known equivalents thereof, those integers areherein incorporated as if individually set forth. In addition, where theterm “substantially” or any of it's variants have been used as a word ofapproximation adjacent to a numerical value or range, it is intended toprovide sufficient flexibility in the adjacent numerical value or rangethat encompasses standard manufacturing tolerances and/or rounding tothe next significant figure, whichever is greater.

It should be noted that various changes and modifications to thepresently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent tothose skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be madewithout departing from the spirit and scope of the invention and withoutdiminishing its attendant advantages. For instance, various componentsmay be repositioned as desired. It is therefore intended that suchchanges and modifications be included within the scope of the invention.Moreover, not all of the features, aspects and advantages arenecessarily required to practice the present invention. Accordingly, thescope of the present invention is intended to be defined only by theclaims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A panty comprising: a front panel formed of afirst material, the front panel comprising a left front side edge and aright front side edge, a top front edge extending between the left frontside edge and the right front side edge, a left front leg edge extendingdownward at a first angle from the left front side edge, a right frontleg edge extending downward at a second angle from the right front sideedge, a front panel gusset edge extending between the left front legedge and the right front leg edge; a rear panel formed of a secondmaterial, the rear panel comprising a left rear side edge and a rightrear side edge, a top rear edge extending between the left rear sideedge and the right rear side edge, a left rear leg edge extendingupwardly at a third angle from the left rear side edge, a right rear legedge extending upwardly at a fourth angle from the right rear side edge,and a rear panel gusset edge extending between the left rear leg edgeand the right rear leg edge; a gusset panel formed of a third material,the gusset panel comprising a front gusset edge, a rear gusset edge, aleft gusset leg edge extending from the front gusset edge to the reargusset, and a right gusset leg edge extending from the front gusset edgeto the rear gusset edge; each of the top front edge, top rear edge, leftfront leg edge, left rear leg edge, right front leg edge, and the rightrear leg edge being free cut; the left front side edge and the left rearside edge being connected with a left side seam, a left upper bar tackonly being positioned at a top of the left side seam and a left lowerbar tack only positioned at a bottom of the left side seam, the leftupper bar tack and the left lower bar tack being configured such that aleft side seam allowance can be contained by the left upper bar tack andthe left lower bar tack, the right front side edge and the right rearside edge being connected with a right side seam, a right upper bar tackonly being positioned at a top of the right side seam and a right lowerbar tack only being positioned at a bottom of the right side seam, theright upper bar tack and the right lower bar tack being configured suchthat a right side seam allowance can be contained by the right upper bartack and the right lower bar tack; the front panel gusset edge, the rearpanel gusset edge, and the gusset rear edge being connected by a reargusset seam, the left front leg edge and the left gusset edge beingconnected by a left gusset seam, the right front leg edge and the rightgusset edge being connected by a right gusset seam, a left gusset bartack being positioned only at a forward end of the left gusset seam andextending parallel to the left front leg edge, a right gusset bar tackbeing positioned only at a forward end of the right gusset seam andextending parallel to the right front leg edge, the left gusset bar tackand the right gusset bar tack configured to resist rolling of thegusset; and the first second material comprising an interior surfacethat comprises exposed elastic threads.
 2. The panty of claim 1, whereinthe first material is a four-way stretch material and the secondmaterial is a different four-way stretch material.
 3. The panty of claim2, wherein the front panel gusset edge is cut across a grain of thefour-way stretch material and the rear panel gusset edge is cut across agrain of the different four-way stretch material.
 4. The panty of claim2, wherein the rear panel is cut across a grain of the differentfour-way stretch material.
 5. The panty of claim 1, wherein the leftside seam is an overlock seam and the right side seam is an overlockseam.
 6. A panty comprising: a front panel comprising a first materialhaving a first weight and a top edge; a rear panel comprising a secondmaterial having a second weight within 10% of the first weight; the rearpanel comprising an inner surface, the inner surface comprising exposedelastomeric threads; a gusset panel connected to the front panel and thefront panel connected to the rear panel at two substantially verticalseams, all of the edges of the front panel and the rear panel being freeedges with the exception of the edges connected to the gusset panel; andthe vertical seams configured to be medial of a pair of anteriorsuperior iliac spines of a wearer.
 7. The panty of claim 6, wherein thevertical seams are configured to be lateral of the mid inguinal pointsof the wearer.
 8. The panty of claim 7, wherein the vertical seams eachhas a first bar tack adjacent an upper end of the vertical seam and asecond bar tack adjacent a lower end of the vertical seam.
 9. The pantyof claim 8, wherein the gusset panel is not connected to the front panelat a forward end of the gusset panel, a pair of bar tacks beingpositioned adjacent the forward end of the gusset panel such that a bartack is positioned along a forwardmost end of each lateral side of thegusset panel.
 10. The panty of claim 9, wherein the gusset panel isformed of a third material that is different from the first material andthe second material.
 11. The panty of claim 10, wherein the firstmaterial comprises nylon and elastane.
 12. The panty of claim 11,wherein the second material comprises nylon and LYCRA.
 13. The panty ofclaim 10, wherein the second material comprises nylon and LYCRA.
 14. Thepanty of claim 7, wherein the first material is a four-way stretchmaterial and the second material is a different four-way stretchmaterial.
 15. The panty of claim 6, wherein a ratio of a total relaxedlength of the top edge of the front panel to a total relaxed length ofthe top edge of the rear panel is between 1:1.5 and 1:2.7.
 16. The pantyof claim 15, wherein the ratio is between 1:1.63 and 1:2.62.
 17. Thepanty of claim 16, wherein the ratio is between 1:2.55 and 1:2.62.